860 Squadron was formed on 15 June 1943 at RNAS Donibristle in Scotland. Manned by Royal Netherlands Navy personnel, the squadron began its wartime service with the Fairey Swordfish.

During World War II, 860 Squadron operated from Merchant Aircraft Carriers, protecting Allied convoys across the Atlantic and laying the foundations of Dutch naval aviation.

From the Fairey Swordfish to the Lynx and today’s NH90, 860 Squadron has continuously evolved while remaining rooted in maritime aviation and operations at sea.

Today, 860 Squadron operates the NH90 maritime combat helicopter from Maritime Air Station De Kooy and from Royal Netherlands Navy vessels, supporting naval operations at sea, maritime security, transport, search-and-rescue and anti-submarine warfare.